only kids meal at Panera is PB&J

I just posted this message to Panera Bread's website as a response to our recent visit to their store at the Kenwood Mall in Cincinnati, Ohio. If I get a response, I'll post it.

I visited this location approximately 3 weeks ago. As my 22 month old daughter has severe anaplhylaxis to peanuts (deadly allergy), I always would ask for the only kids meal available (peanut butter and jelly) to be made with turkey or something else. I had made this request at the Panera in West Chester and it had not been a problem. However, at the Kenwood location I get a young, smart ass guy would tells me how about we just leave off the peanut butter and just give her jelly? The tray with the peanut butter and jelly knives all cross contaminated just happened to be sitting on the counter next to him. I looked at him like he was crazy. I demanded to see the manager. He finally was a voice of reason. He told the young man to give us a turkey sandwich with whatever we wanted on it in lieu of the PB&J in the kids meal. I had to stand there though arguing with the young man for about 5 minutes with a line of about 8 people behind me before the manager interceded. In this day and age where so many people, mostly children, have peanut allergies that the only kids meal you offer is peanut butter and jelly? That is ridiculous. You shouldn't have to stand there for 10 minutes between clerks, cashiers and management trying to get your point across each time. Why can't you change your menu and offer a kids ham, turkey or other type of sandwich? In case you are unaware of how severe peanut anaphylaxisis is, I have to carry an Epi-pen (self injector shot) so in case she got exposed to any peanut product, I could give her this shot and then call 911. A person who is not given the shot immediatly will die, your throat swells shut and you cannot breathe. I would hope that your corporate office will address this situation immediately. Thank you.

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On Sep 11, 2004

I have decided to not ever enter the new Panera in my neighborhood since I hear they make PB bagels too. My whole family has boycotted them.
Peg

On Sep 11, 2004

They can keep their PB&J sandwiches for all I care. They use so many different nuts in so many things there, even if there wasn't a PB&J sandwich, I still wouldn't take my son there. Also, their chips have peanut oil.

I stop at Panera to grab a 1/2 sand and salad on my way to work sometimes though. No kids with me so I usually get that asian sesame chicken salad (YUM!)and eat it at work. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

On Sep 12, 2004

I went to Panera Bread ONCE...the menu is full of nuts and with kids always behind the counter I wouldn't dare let DS eat there. I would think they could easily add grilled cheese, ham and turkey for additional kids selections...GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

On Sep 12, 2004

I am PA. My teenage daughter worked at Panera Bread and she told me it is NOT safe for peanut allergic...too many nuts and there is cross contamination.

On Sep 12, 2004

I don't go there either, but since Savannah's Mom does go there, I think it's great she's sending the letter.

If Panera Bread never hears from PA people, it will never change. If they think they have PA customers, it might help them become more aware of allergy problems.

I'm not saying PAnera is going to suddenly change into a place we'd all be comfortable eating at, but sending letters like this one is the only way to start moving things in a positive direction.

Savannah's Mom, I like your letter. It's casual and direct and states the problem very plainly. I'm glad you're sending it.

On Sep 15, 2004

Beware. The chips that Panera serves are fried in peanut oil.

On Oct 29, 2004

I agree, Panera would have to make so many changes (chips PB&J, bread, bagels, etc), that it is alost impossible for us to ever go there!